The Abia State Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Materials Testing Laboratory in Umuahia, aimed at enhancing the integrity and durability of construction and engineering projects across the state.
Announcing the development during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, stated that the facility is strategically located within the premises of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) along Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat Way. The lab is equipped to conduct a wide range of tests including concrete strength, soil composition, aggregate quality, steel reinforcement, asphalt pavement, and both field and non-destructive assessments.
Kanu emphasized that the laboratory will serve as a critical tool in curbing the use of substandard materials in building and infrastructure projects, thereby reducing the risk of structural failures and promoting safer urban development.
In addition to the lab’s launch, the commissioner highlighted several other initiatives under Governor Alex Otti’s administration. These include the planned revitalization of the state-owned Abia Hotels in Umuahia and the rollout of TechRise ICT Training Cohort 2, which has already verified 850 candidates ahead of its September 25 start date. The program is designed to empower youth through digital literacy and job creation.
On rural development, Kanu revealed that construction of four prototype markets will soon commence across the state’s 17 local government areas. These markets will feature solar-powered stalls, boreholes, phone-charging stations, and public conveniences, with a focus on supporting women and youth entrepreneurs while curbing rural-urban migration.
In the health sector, the commissioner reported that 25 Primary Healthcare Centres have become operational in the past two weeks, with 100 targeted by October and 140 already completed.
The establishment of the Materials Testing Laboratory marks a significant step forward in Abia’s infrastructure strategy. With Nigeria’s history of building collapses often linked to poor-quality materials and oversight, the lab is expected to play a vital role in enforcing quality control and ensuring safer construction practices statewide.
